Latina Immigrants and the UDHR

Abstract

<p>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines economic human rights to which all persons are entitled. Articles 23, 25, and 26 of this declaration define the rights to adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, employment, and education. Despite these ideals, these rights are not guaranteed to all. There are nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Of those 12 million, approximately one third are women and 76% are Latino. This presentation will highlight the violations that undocumented Latina immigrants experience due to their gender, race, and legal status. A review of the literature regarding human rights violations experienced by undocumented Latinas was completed. The research revealed the frequency and intensity of human rights violations that were exacerbated by poverty and undocumented status. Further, the rights to adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, employment, and education were interrelated. Violations in one area often precipitated or aggravated other vulnerabilities. In order to verify the findings of the literature, a focus group was held with social service providers serving the undocumented Latina community. The participants of the focus group indicate that their experience with the population is consistent with the literature. Undocumented Latina women are exposed to sub adequate living arrangements, employer violations, limited health care access, and few educational opportunities. Based on the feedback from the focus group, recommendations for advocating for human rights protections for undocumented Latinas will be outlined.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>